Southfield — As part of its ongoing efforts to alleviate human suffering, the American-based relief organization, Life for Relief and Development (LIFE) in partnership with the Dubai-based Mohammed Bin Rashid Al-Maktoum Charity (MBRMC), a prominent humanitarian relief organization in the United Arab Emirates, recently completed the first phase of emergency relief for the victims of Hurricane Ike in Texas and Louisiana.

MBRMC and LIFE stepped up to provide emergency food and shelter to those displaced by the hurricane early in the catastrophe. LIFE’s staff and volunteers worked tirelessly providing hot meals and canned food, water, hygiene kits, first aid kits, cleaning supplies, clothing, towels, pillows, blankets and other essential supplies to residents of Galveston, Houston, Webster and other surrounding areas in Texas, as well as in Baton Rouge and Alexandria, Louisiana.

Working with local charities, like the Houston Food Bank, LIFE’s team provided food and other emergency items at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) designated distribution sites. MBRMC and LIFE also provided temporary shelter for families who lost their homes in the hurricane. In addition, LIFE partnered with the Red Cross to provide travel brochures to stranded residents who were unable to return to their home, to assist them in traveling to other cities to stay with friends or relatives.

MBRMC and LIFE are beginning to plan for a second phase of the relief operations, which involves rebuilding healthcare clinics and social service centers.

Commenting on these relief efforts, LIFE President and CEO, Dr. Mujahid Al-Fayadh stated, “Now that the initial shock of the disaster has waned, we must plan for the long term development of the hard hit areas, so that the victims can resume some normalcy in their lives.”

For further information on these relief efforts or how you can help, please call 1.800.827.3543 or visit www.lifeusa.org to learn more about LIFE’s projects around the world, and www.mcharity.org to learn more about MBRMC’s projects.